Rats in the UK: Types, Signs and Control

There are two types of rat in the UK, but almost every rat you’ll see is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), also called the common or Norway rat. The black rat (Rattus rattus), or ship rat, is now so rare in Britain that it may have no population left. Brown rats grow up to about 28 cm long, with a 10 to 24 cm tail, and weigh 200 to 300 g.

Rat Guides

Everything you need to know about rats in the UK:

• Signs of rats in your house
• What rat droppings look like
• Where rats nest
• What rats eat
• Do rats bite?
• How to get rid of rats
• How to keep rats away
• Rat control in London

Types of Rats Found in the UK

Here’s what each UK rat looks like, where it lives and how to tell them apart.

Brown Rat (Norwegian Rat)

The brown rat, or Norwegian rat, is the most common rat species found in UK homes, commercial buildings, and outdoor spaces. It can grow up to about 28 cm long, not counting the tail.

Brown rats are prolific breeders, producing 5 to 10 pups per litter, and can have 3 to 6 litters per year. With sexual maturity reached in just 10 weeks, infestations can escalate quickly if not addressed.  These rats often nest in basements, sewers, and under floorboards. They are opportunistic feeders and consume a wide variety of foods, making them especially common in areas with accessible waste or poorly stored food.

Brown Rat Key Traits:

• Stocky body and blunt nose
• Short tail relative to body
• Excellent swimmers and burrowers
• Commonly found both indoors and outdoors

Where are Brown Rats Most Commonly Found?

Despite its name, the Norway rat (or brown rat) does not originate from Norway. The species was already named Rattus norvegicus by the time it reached Scandinavia. According to scientists, the Norway rat originates from China or Eastern Mongolia. In the Middle Ages, it spread to other parts of the world, most likely through trade routes and merchant ships.

Today, the brown rat is one of the most widespread rodents on Earth, thriving in both urban and rural environments. From city sewers and subway tunnels to farmlands and residential lofts, this species has proven to be incredibly adaptable. Brown rats are found on every continent except Antarctica. In fact, Antarctica was declared rat-free in 2012, after a successful eradication program on Rat Island, where brown rats had arrived via a Japanese shipwreck.

Where Do Brown Rats Live in the UK?

In the UK, brown rats commonly inhabit:

• Sewers and drainage systems
• Basements and wall cavities
• Lofts and attics
• Gardens, compost heap, and sheds
• Farmland
• Commercial premises and food storage areas

Their strong burrowing and nesting instincts mean they often dig tunnels or live beneath floorboards and behind skirting boards. Their proximity to human activity ensures easy access to shelter, food, and water.

Black Rat

The black rat, also called the ship rat or roof rat, arrived in Britain in Roman times but is now one of the UK’s rarest mammals. It hasn’t been recorded in many cities for decades, and it may no longer have a population here at all. Black rats are smaller and slimmer than brown rats, with large ears, a pointed nose and a tail longer than the body. If you’re seeing rats at home, it’s almost certainly a brown rat.

Brown Rat vs Black Rat – Why Identification Matters

Accurate identification of rat species is crucial because it influences the type of pest control treatment required. For example:

• Brown rats may require treatment in sewers, basements, or garden burrows
• Black rats are more likely to require roof and loft treatments, along with proofing entry points up high

Knowing the habits and nesting preferences of these rodents allows pest control experts to apply targeted solutions for long-term eradication and prevention.

UK Rat Feeding Habits

Rats eat almost anything, but they like seeds and cereals best, and they’ll also take fruit, vegetables, pet and bird food, meat and even mice. See the full list of what rats eat.

Rat Behaviour

Rats are social creatures that live in structured colonies, often numbering in the hundreds. Their intelligence and adaptability make them particularly skilled at surviving in both rural and urban environments.

Although they occasionally enter homes, Norway rats prefer to nest outdoors, usually in underground burrows near buildings, gardens, or drains. They typically invade structures like garages, sheds, or basements in search of food, especially during the colder months.

Rats are nocturnal and tend to stay out of sight during the day. Contrary to popular belief, they are not naturally aggressive. In fact, they usually avoid human contact, choosing to flee rather than fight. However, when threatened or cornered, rats can become defensive and aggressive, especially if protecting their nests or young.

Do Rats Reproduce Quickly?

Rats reproduce rapidly. A rat litter consists of up to 24 pups, and females can become pregnant every 28 days. This rapid reproduction is one of the key reasons rat infestations can grow out of control quickly if left unaddressed.

Norway Rats’ Physical Abilities

• These rodents are more agile than many people realise:
• They can leap up to 70 cm vertically
• As excellent swimmers, they can travel long distances through water
• Norway rats have acute hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, which helps them detect changes in their environment
• Despite their heightened senses, rats are colour-blind and have poor eyesight

What Diseases do Rats Carry to Humans?

Rats can spread leptospirosis and salmonella through their droppings and urine, and in the UK hantavirus from rats is rare. UK rats don’t carry rabies: it has been eliminated from land animals in the UK. See rat droppings and rat bites for more on the health risks.

Property & Economic Damage Caused by Rats

Rats gnaw through wood, insulation, pipes and electrical cables, which can be a fire risk, and they contaminate food and stored goods. Spotting them early keeps the damage down.

How to Tell If You Have Rats

Look for droppings, a strong ammonia-like smell, gnaw marks, greasy smear marks along walls and scratching at night. See all 8 signs of rats in your house.

What to Do in Case of a Rat Infestation

Cut off food and water, block the gaps rats are using and set traps along their runs. If fresh droppings keep appearing, call a professional. See how to get rid of rats, or book rat control.